Eating. At this age, kids should begin making healthy food choices on their own. Your child's diet should include lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and low-fat dairy. Kids this age should get 3 cups (720 ml) of low-fat or nonfat milk (or equivalent low-fat or nonfat dairy products) daily. Aim for five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Limit foods and drinks that are high in sugar and fat.

Sleeping. Kids this age generally need about 10-11 hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep can make it difficult to pay attention at school. Set a bedtime that allows for adequate sleep and encourage your child to follow a relaxing bedtime routine.

Physical activity. Kids this age should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. Experts recommend limiting screen time, including TV, DVDs, video games, smartphones, tablets, and computers, to no more than 2 hours per day.

In girls, puberty usually starts between 8 and 13 years with breast development and the appearance of pubic hair. Menstruation usually follows about 2 years after breast development begins.

In boys, testicular enlargement, the first sign of puberty, generally occurs around age 11, but may start as early as 9 years and as late as 15. Penile lengthening and the appearance of pubic hair follow.

After talking with you, the doctor may request some time alone with your child to answer any additional questions.

4. Perform a physical exam. This will include listening to the heart and lungs, examining the back for any curvature of the spine, and checking for the signs of puberty. A parent, caregiver, or chaperone should be present during this part of the exam, but siblings should remain outside in the waiting room to give your child privacy.

5. Update immunizations.Immunizations can protect kids from serious childhood illnesses, so it's important that your child receive them on time. Immunization schedules can vary from office to office, so talk to your doctor about what to expect.

Provide a quiet place to do homework. Minimize distractions, such as TV and cell phones.

As school becomes more challenging, poor school performance may be a sign of attention or learning problems, bullying, or depression. Get to the root of the problem.

Peer pressure can lead to dangerous activities, such as drinking or smoking. Know who your kids are spending time with and make sure that an adult is monitoring them.

Self

Be prepared to answer questions about puberty and the feelings associated with those changes. Encourage your child to bring his or her questions or concerns to you.

In girls, the first menstrual period (menarche) usually occurs by age 13, but it can come as late as age 15. Talk to your daughter about menstruation before menarche occurs and encourage her to come to you once it does.

Preteens should continue to ride in the back seat and always wear a seatbelt while in a vehicle.

Make sure your child wears a helmet while riding a bike, skateboard, or scooter.

Your child should apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher at least 15 minutes before going outside and reapply about every 2 hours

Limit your child's exposure to secondhand smoke, which increases the risk of heart and lung disease.

Monitor your child's Internet usage. Keep the family computer in a place where you can watch what your child is doing. Install safety filters and check the browser history to see what websites your child has visited.

Protect your child from gun injuries by not keeping a gun in the home. If you do have a gun, keep it unloaded and locked away. Ammunition should be locked up separately. Make sure kids cannot access the keys.

These checkup sheets are consistent with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)/Bright Futures guidelines.